JENNIFER LOPEZ & CASPER SMART IN TORONTO: THINGS SHE CAN'T TRAVEL WITHOUT!

Things JLo Can't Travel Without - Toronto, July 2012

Jennifer Lopez took Toronto by storm with her arrival in the City's chic Yorkville District Monday on her co-headlining Tour with Enrique Iglesias.  The Show performed so well in terms of sales that a second date was added and tonight was the Duo's final of two nights at Air Canada Centre.

Shoppers on Bloor Street received quite the shock when they saw JLo and Boyfriend Casper Smart perusing the Fashions of Holt Renfrew Monday afternoon.  The Pair reportedly spent a few hours at the high-end Retailer, while also enjoying some of the more affordable choices of Zara next-door too!

Although some Fans were eager to meet the Entertainer and Multimedia/Fashion/Fragrance Powerhouse outside her Hotel all day Tuesday, alas she never fulfilled her promise to eventually sign some Autographs, although many were just as pleased to have been up-close to her.  She did however, stop to pose for a Photo with one young Woman at Yorkville's Moroco Chocolat while she fawned over their selection of Chocolates and Macarons.

Lopez was more low-key today leaving her Hotel secretively.  Smart being the thoughtful Boyfriend he is, was seen entering and leaving their Hotel with Garment Bags, doing some last-minute Pick-ups presumably for JLo. One Holt Renfrew Shopgirl also was seen doing a quick delivery to the Hotel hopefully not too disappointed that her Delivery would be routed to the Superstar only via Hotel Staff and not via herself.

Meanwhile, Twins Max & Emme were spotted out and about with her Entourage midday, they made one demand to Fans and Photographers in pursuit, "PRIVACY!".

See a Photo Tweeted by one Universal Music Canada Staffer last night after JLo was handed a Platinum Certification for her Disc, Love? following her Show.

Iglesias and Lopez are New Jersey-bound for their next Tour date.  Lopez will be releasing a Compilation Dance Again... The Hits on July 24, 2012.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

DRESS LIKE YOUR FAVOURITE FEMALE CELEBRITY WITH "PAVLYN""

The Founders of Pavln: Anna & Maria

Wanna dress like your favourite Starlet? Check out Online Boutique, Pavyln, which launched only recently. What makes Pavlyn (translation: "Peacock" in Russian) unique is that they allow you shop by Celebrity online, picking each exact item she wore. Included here are the likes of Katy Perry, Amanda Seyfried, Kim Kardashian, Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan, Jennifer Lopez and many more!

Although Pavlyn is still new, you can expect their Celebrity Roster of Styles to grow soon.

The Store is Canadian, hence you don't have to worry about expensive Shipping and Customs Fees.

Click here to visit Pavlyn.

(Photo credit: Pavlyn)

MR. WILL-W.'S SONGS OF SUMMER 2012

Karmin

Summers for me always have been defined by Songs. The trigger of hearing a Track instantaneously can prompt a chain reaction of memories and place me in a mood, even if momentarily. Although we’re only into late May, our iPods and Airwaves already have been infiltrated by a bevy a solid Summer Tunes and here are my Top Five!

1. Karmin – Brokenhearted

Although it took me several listens to enjoy, this Los Angeles-based Real Life Couple have me clicking repeat with this infectious number which received a major profile boost with their appearance on Saturday Night Live earlier this year. Their signature rap-singing, Electropop takes an edgy concept and spreads it to a mass audience.

2. Nicki Minaj – Starships

Thanks to Lady Gaga, RedOne has been placed internationally on-the-map as a Game Changer in Pop Music and to this day he remains a force to be dealt with as the Pop Elite clamour to collaborate with him. Anyone who listens to Starships needs little explanation why this rightfully is "The Song of Summer 2012". It has a widely international sound and Minaj is improving leaps and bounds as a Vocalist - at least on-recording. A starship quite literally has risen.

MOVIE REVIEW: "WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING"

Still from What to Expect When You're Expecting

Intertwining the experiences of five Couples in New York City, What to Expect When You're Expecting brings to the Big Screen Stories inspired by Heidi Murkoff's popular Pregnancy Books of the same name. As often is the case with Movies with All-Star Casts, Story Lines do suffer, but Director Kirk Jones (Nanny McPhee, Everybody's Fine) successfully manages to draw some strong performances from his highly talented (and recognizable) Ensemble.

In this super-sized Rom-Com we meet Jules (Cameron Diaz) and Evan (Matthew Morrison), a Couple who are united by a Dancing with the Stars-esque Reality TV Series. We also meet Gary (Ben Falcone) and Wendy (Elizabeth Banks) - the latter a Breastfeeding Advocate and Pregnancy Expert whom herself is struggling to become pregnant. Gary's Father Ramsey (Dennis Quaid) and young Stepmother Skyler (Brooklyn Decker) might be divided by an age gap, but their zest for life is the glue which binds them together. Marco (Chace Crawford) and Rosie (Anna Kendrick) run competing Food Trucks and one day that passion for competition spills over into their personal lives. Alex (Rodrigo Santoro) and Holly (Jennifer Lopez) are a Couple just getting established in their Careers, now contemplating Adoption. Although their lives are rather different, these Couples are all joined by one common thread - they are expecting Children.  They each soon learn though that this isn't quite what they were expecting.

What to Expect When You're Expecting is well aware of its stature primarily as a Comedy, yet it hits all the correct notes emotionally, capturing the essence and beauty what it means to become a Parent and giving the gift of Life. Some of the Humour borders on Judd Apatow-crude, yet through it all, the experience is rewarding.  Tears and sniffles are unavoidable, judging at least from the response at the Screening I attended.

Lopez truly delivers some of her best work here, while Banks is commanding whenever she appears.  Decker may be a Newcomer to Film, but holds her own against several Black Type sorts here.  Most natural on-screen is the sizzling Chemistry between Kendrick and Crawford, although their intriguing Story Line falls flat after showing much promise early.

What to Expect When You're Expecting gives Ladies the right to be "Pro-choice" at Theatres this weekend amidst the Battle of the male-centric Blockbusters.  Alliance Films releases Friday, May 18, 2012.

ENTER TO WIN PASSES TO SEE "WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING" IN TORONTO, OTTAWA, HALIFAX & WINNIPEG

Official Artwork for What to Expect When You're Expecting

Director Kirk Jones (Nanny McPhee, Everybody's Fine) brings us a star-studded Affair like none other with What to Expect When You're Expecting. Based on the bestselling Pregnancy Guide by Heidi Murkoff, the Rom-Com brings together five interconnected Couples with Babies on-the-way. As they learn though, life isn't always what you expect!

What to Expect When You're Expecting stars Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Elizabeth Banks, Anna Kendrick, Brooklyn Decker, Chris Rock, Rodrigo Santoro, Dennis Quaid, Chace Crawford, Rebel Wilson, Matthew Morrison and many more!

Alliance Films and Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven want to give Readers a chance to see this year's most hotly-anticipated Rom-Com before everybody else! To qualify, simply click "like" on Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook and also this corresponding Post before Sunday, May 13, 2012. Remember to indicate for which City you would like Passes.

Double your odds by Re-Tweeting the following:

@MRWILLW wants you to see What to Expect When You're Expecting. Passes available for HFX, TO, OTT and WPG. #MRWILLWBABY http://tinyurl.com/cwmo6eo

You must also be following on Twitter here. 

Screening Dates are as follows:

Ottawa & Halifax - Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Toronto & Winnipeg - Thursday, May 17, 2012

NOTE: If you have restricted Privacy Settings on Facebook, please ensure you leave an E-mail address or your Twitter account so that I can reach you back. Good luck, Mavenati!

Alliance Films releases What to Expect When You're Expecting on Friday, May 18, 2012. Remember also to follow Alliance Films on Twitter too!

Watch the Trailer for What to Expect When You're Expecting below:

BRITNEY SPEARS CLOSE TO SIGNING $15-MILLION "THE X FACTOR" DEAL

Britney Spears & Nicole Scherzinger in Toronto - March 2009

Although we're still waiting on confirmation, Britney Spears is reportedly close to signing a $15 million deal to judge on the second season of FOX's The X Factor according to multiple sources, including Deadline. Having been in major talks to appear on the show since February, it is said that Spears originally was expecting $20 million for the Deal. 

To place this into context, Jennifer Lopez currently is receiving $12 million to judge on American Idol, while Christina Aguilera - whom Spears has been pitted against since the early days of her career - is earning $10 million for her work as Mentor on NBC's The Voice.

With the recent exits of Judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger from The X Factor leaving room for new faces, this actually marks the second time that the latter has "opened" for Spears.  Former Pussycat Doll Scherzinger back in 2009 had opened for Spears on her Circus Tour.  Some Girls have all the luck!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

NEW MUSIC: JENNIFER LOPEZ - "DANCE AGAIN" FT. PITBULL

Official Artwork for Dance Again

I'm totally loving this new Era of Jennifer Lopez and her latest Track reunites her with Pitbull once again after the massive success of their On the Floor. Produced and written by RedOne whose work sounds inspired once again on this Track, this is bringing Pop Music back to where it should be - melody-centered and catchy. I don't know what Lopez has been doing but she sounds awesome - a vast improvement from her the Music from her J.Lo Era!

Fans of On the Floor will love this Track, which will be released digitally April 12, 2012.

Watch the Official Video below:

"WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING" POSTERS

Official Artwork for What to Expect When You're Expecting

Hot Mama! Lionsgate Films just released these gorgeous new Posters for Rom-Com, What to Expect When You're Expecting with its all-star Cast. Starring Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Cameron Diaz, Brooklyn Decker, Anna Kendrick, Chris Rock, Matthew Morrison, Dennis Quaid, Chace Crawford, Rodrigo Santoro (in an amazing American accent!) and many more, this is the latest effort from Director Kirk Jones (Nanny McPhee, Everybody's Fine). The Movie follows five Couples expecting their first Child in New York City and hits theatres May 11, 2012.

J-Lo isn't even showing here. Are we sure she's preggers?  What's the deal?

See more Posters below:

TAYLOR SWIFT TOPS AT 2011 "AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS"

Taylor Swift at 2011 American Music Awards

Taylor Swift was the Queen of the 2011 American Music Awards tonight, taking home top honour of Artist of the Year, as voted by the Fans.  She also won Favourite Country Album for Speak Now and Favourite Country Female Artist.  In total, Swift has now won a total ten AMAs in her brief rise to the top.

Adele, a Brit, was awarded Favourite Pop/Rock Album for her top-selling 21 although unfortunately she couldn't as she is currently recovering from Throat Surgery.  Meanwhile, Bruno Mars was awarded Favourite Pop/Rock Male Artist, while a pink-haired Star Trek-esque Katy Perry was named Favourite Pop/Rock Female Artist.  Favourite Pop/Rock Band went to Maroon 5 who performed Moves Like Jagger  (ft. Christina Aguilera) and also Stereo Hearts alongside Gym Class Heroes. A teary-eyed Nicki Minaj fared v. well this evening, taking home Favourite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist and Favourite Rap/Hip-Hop Album for her debut Disc, Pink Friday.

A now-single Jennifer Lopez stunned the audience in a progressively barely-there outfit, although forgetting Lyrics to her Track Until it Beats No More, followed by Papi (from her latest FIAT Commercial) before being joined on-stage by Pitbull for On the Floor.  Pitbull later performed with Lopez's Ex-Husband Marc Anthony on Rain Over Me.

Click here for more from the American Music Awards.

(Photo credit: ABC)

COCO LEE WEDS CANADIAN BUSINESSMAN BRUCE ROCKOWITZ

CoCo Lee, Bruce Rockowitz & Ne-Yo

Congratulations to one of Asia's biggest Superstars CoCo Lee, who just wedded Canadian Billionaire Businessman Bruce Rockowitz.  Festivities took place in Hong Kong at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Kowloon.  Lee, a Singer-Songwriter who was raised in San Francisco and is based out of Taiwan, met Rockowitz in Hong Kong eight years ago.  For those who were wondering, Vera Wang custom-designed her Wedding Dress.

The lavish Ceremony, witnessed by 300 of the Couple's Friends and Family,  was followed by a lavish Reception where guests dined on Italian fare including Wagyu Beef Cheek & Sole, Burrata Cheese Ravioli, Tiramisu, Vanilla Panna Cotta and much more. A private Jewish Ceremony also took place yesterday.

Although there was much extravagance at the Rockowitz-Lee Wedding, the Entertainment perhaps was the biggest thing they had in-store.  Major Stars Bruno Mars, The Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys, Ne-Yo performed before the intimate audience, with Lee joining them on-stage at points.  It is said also that Oprah Winfrey and Jennifer Lopez (some are saying Beyoncé too!) were flown-in privately for the occasion too... still awaiting Photos to confirm this. All this rang-in at a whopping total $20 million US!

JENNIFER LOPEZ HINTS AT DIVORCE REASONS ON NEW TRACK "STARTING OVER"

Jennifer Lopez in September 2011 Issue of Vanity Fair

Just what exactly is Jennifer Lopez telling us with her rumoured next single Starting Over? Although many of us were shocked to hear about her split from Marc Anthony recently, Lopez might have been hinting at trouble for a while now.  She first performed the Track back in February 2010 when she did double-duty as Host and Performer on Saturday Night Live.

Although RedOne-produced track Papi originally was slated to be the third single off Lopez's latest Disc Love?, it appears plans have of switched seeing that Starting Over is more relevant to this point in her life right now.

Read some of the excerpts below:

JENNIFER LOPEZ COVERS SEPTEMBER 2011 ISSUE OF "VANITY FAIR"

Jennifer Lopez covers Vanity Fair September 2011 Issue

"I will always respect Marc as a singer and performer. We actually work great together, and he was always very supportive. Together we could make magic—and we did. He will always be in our lives. He will always hold a special place in my heart as the father of my children." - Jennifer Lopez, September 2011 issue of Vanity Fair

Wow, quote of the day. Jennifer Lopez quickly gives Vanity Fair's Lisa Robinson some dibs on highly-guarded information as to her impending Divorce from Marc Anthony already! Lopez dishes on her relationships with Ben Affleck and Diddy also and seems to be taking matters into stride as if she were prepared for this for quite some time, don't you think?

Click here to read more.  Gorgeous Photos by Mario Testino.

(Photo credit: Mario Testino/Vanity Fair)

JENNIFER LOPEZ & MARC ANTHONY SPLIT

Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony at TIFF 2006

"We have decided to end our marriage.  This was a very difficult decision. We have come to an amicable conclusion on all matters." - Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony, July 15, 2011

People Magazine just broke the story that after seven years of marriage, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony have split.  No additional details on that yet but let's blame American Idol for sucking the life out of their love and the Music Industry collectively.

 

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

VIDEO PREMIERE: JENNIFER LOPEZ - I'M INTO YOU (FT. LIL WAYNE)

Still from I'm Into You

And suddenly we're transported back in time ten years ago when it was all about J-Lo. Check out this stunning Video for Lopez's second Single off of solid comeback Disc Love?  (read my Review here).  

I'm Into You ft. Lil Wayne is directed by Melina Matsoukas who has helmed many a memorable Clip like Kylie Minogue's Wow and Ne-Yo's Because of You. Watch Lopez saunter about in front of the Mayan Pyramids and Ruins of Chichen-itza in Mexico, getting sultry with a smouldering Model William Levy.

Watch the Video in full below:

THE 2011 MET GALA - RED CARPET VICTRESSES

One of my favourite events of the year to creep is the the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art's Costume Institute Gala and the Ladies came out in full force again this year.  The Gala this year features the Exhibition, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, honouring the late Designer whose Successor Sarah Burton has had Fashionistas in a fury uniformly with Kate Middleton's Grace Kelly-inspired Wedding Dress.

Jennifer Hudson flaunted that new Body in Oscar de la Renta.  Jennifer Lopez stunned in Gucci.  Blake Lively shocked in Chanel.  Dakota Fanning was cute in Valentino. Salma Hayek was flawless in Alexander McQueen.  Madonna was demure in Stella McCartney. Both Sofia Vergara and Renée Zellweger were perfection in Carolina Herrera.

Visit Zimbio for all the Photos.

(Photo credit: Zimbio/Getty Images)

JENNIFER LOPEZ - LOVE REVIEW

In what is easily her best work since 1999 debut On the 6, Jennifer Lopez gives it her all on this her seventh studio effort. She proves once again that she can do it all despite her impossibly hectic itinerary - a Mother of Twins, Wife, Designer, Entrepreneur, Television Personality, Actress and oh yeah, a Singer. Lopez's surprising switch last year to Island Def Jam/Universal Music has played a pivotal role in her sudden musical resurgence after spending some celebrated years at Sony Music - some years not so celebrated. And after spending over two years on this Disc Love?, expectations are heightened but fear not - she delivers.

We all know how infectious On the Floor (ft. Pitbull) is with that Lambada sample it features. In fact it has already reached the top of the Charts in Canada, but on this Disc are a few more missiles waiting to fire thanks to Super-Producer RedOne who not only oversaw that mentioned first Single, but also the thematically similar Papi with its dramatic synths and big choruses; an outstanding piece of Pop. Invading My Mind and Hypnotico also have the Swedish-Moroccan's signature sound imprinted and interestingly, Lady Gaga is credited on both these Tracks. Admittedly they are more telling of her The Fame era rather than her current Born this Way era.

The-Dream and Tricky Stewart who have been rather hit-or-miss since finding meteoric success with Rihanna on her star-making Good Girl Gone Bad Disc from 2008, yield a result leaning more towards  the "hit" side with the aptly-named Good Hit. The Track is defined most by its experience-altering Breakdown complete with a Key Change. Villain and Run the World are met with mixed results and easily could have been eliminated here without much impact.

JENNIFER LOPEZ IS THE "WORLD'S MOST BEAUTIFUL WOMAN"

Jennifer Lopez on People Magazine

People Magazine has named Jennifer Lopez the World’s Most Beautiful Woman of 2011. No surprises there and undoubtedly her turn on American Idol of late as a Judge has solidified that not only is she wonderful outside, but also has a heart.

The Mother of two tells the Magazine that she enjoys those days which she doesn’t have to wear Make-up. Lopez admits, "I don't want anybody thinking it's easy. It does take time and it's hard work. HDTV widescreen is nobody's friend!".  LOL

Click here to read more.

Lopez's long-awaited seventh Disc Love? hits stores April 29, 2011 and current Single On the Floor has peaked at number one on the Canadian Billboard Hot 100 and seems on its way to do so in the U.S. also, reaching the number five spot there.

(Photo credit: People Magazine)

VIDEO PREMIERE: JENNIFER LOPEZ FT. PITBULL - ON THE FLOOR

I've been championing this track since it leaked a couple months ago, but finally we got a proper Video for this. It appears this Edit of this RedOne-produced track seems to be a bit shorter and sparser than the perfect Album Version, which I'm not completely convinced was for the better. Nonetheless, J-Lo sizzles although I wish there was just a bit more of her and that scintillating Choreography.  Sending positive vibes out that this relaunches her Music career.  Love her!

NEW MUSIC: JENNIFER LOPEZ - ON THE FLOOR (FT. PITBULL)

Is it ever coming out? With intriguing teasers like Louboutins and Fresh Out the Oven being released from Jennifer Lopez's forthcoming seventh album Love?, we have no confirmed release date for the Disc.  Still.

Since switching over to Island/Def Jam from Sony Music last year it seems as though it's been one delay after another for Lopez's halted music career.  If this confirmed new Single On the Floor (ft. Pitbull) is any indication of what we can expect, then I need to be adding myself back to that JenniferLopez.Com Mailing List again soon.

Tastefully sampling 1989's international hit Lambada by Kaoma, this track is right up Lopez's alley with some Latin flare and astoundingly good production from the Man who helped make Lady Gaga famous, RedOne.  Although the Rap from Pitbull neither really accentuates nor takes away from the listening experience, it's there. I would like to hear a shorter Edit with just Lopez front and center.  Call it a comeback.  2011 will be her year.  Massive.

Don't believe me?  Have a listen, courtesy of Universal Music:

BARBARA WALTERS UNVEILS 2010'S 10 MOST FASCINATING PEOPLE

Gen. David Petraeus

ABC aired Barbara Walters' annual 10 Most Fascinating People special last night. In what could be considered a surprise, General David Petraeus topped the last according to Walters. Deemed an "American Hero", Petraeus is celebrated for the humanity and strength he has shown as the Top U.S. Commander in Afghanistan.

In an otherwise non-eventful Special, Walters also presented the cast of Jersey Shore, Justin Bieber, Mark Zuckerberg, Sarah Palin and Jennifer Lopez among the year's most noteworthy.

Click here to see the complete list.

(Photo credit: ABC)